A memory of an experience with involving bias, prejudice, and/or oppression is when I was working in another field and involved in the hiring process for a vacancy within our department. The candidates had been narrowed down to just two, one white male and one black female. As each candidate was interviewed, it was agreed that both candidates were highly qualified and ideal for possessing the attributes needed to manage a group of seven. However, when conversing amongst the decision makers it was stated that the black female was very articulate and could handle the group of seven. When I asked exactly what that comment meant, the individual stated that being the black female would be better at understanding and talking to the all black group of procurement agents.
This specific bias diminished equity verbally and through her behavior while feeling that the only person able to get along and manage the staff was one within the same race and of the same type. This person’s prejudices and stereotypes were due to lack of knowledge and the reluctancy to get to know those within the group and what would be best for them. Her belief was that only blacks should be managed by other blacks, who they can identify and relate to and this person being articulate was just icing on the cake.
This specific prejudice evoked anger beyond belief that one could make such a statement and no one questioned her thinking process. I knew and had experienced biases within my own life, and was not sure if the disrespect for others or the blatant comments affected me more.
In order for this incident to turn into an opportunity of greater equity all individuals on the panel would have had to speak up and address the bias being spoken and exposed by the one panel member. The qualifications and merits of both candidates could have been brought up and compared, not just skin color. There could have been a dialogue amongst everyone, including the top executive as to their support for the right person where skin color did not make a difference.
It is too bad that skin color had at enter into this position choice. So which one did get the job. And how can you make sure the right person for the job is hired with having skin color enter into the discussion?
ReplyDeleteI can't say that I agree with the stament that was made that black people can manage each other better. As a social worker, I find it harder to work with people of the same race as I am. I would prefer working with someone of a different race.
ReplyDeleteTerri,
ReplyDeleteI think is sounds as if they truly did not understand the impact of what they were saying. If they had come with more understanding about the demographics of the people they were trying to reach then it probably would have not come out in the same tone. Some people are really oblivious to how they come across in their way of thinking and often feel justified by their convictions.
Terri,
ReplyDeleteI hear about reasons why people are hired from various friends. I am shocked to hear about how many times color of a person is involved. It is sad to know that color is used as a determining factor.
Terri,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. I really think that many people just say what comes up comes out without thinking carefully what they are saying. I wonder how she would have felt if someone would had made a comment like that about her?